Phi Lambda Sigma named Division III Chapter of the Year

 LAWRENCE – Student leaders at the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy have earned national recognition after Phi Lambda Sigma was named the Division III Chapter of the Year. This is an honor which highlights the chapters leadership development, inclusivity, and campus engagement.

The KU chapter of Phi Lambda Sigma (PLS) received the award based on its work during the previous academic year, when leadership expanded programming, increased student participation, and aligned with the national initiatives.

PLS is the national pharmacy leadership society; it is dedicated to identifying, developing, and honoring leadership within the pharmacy profession, with a focus on students, new practitioners and pharmacists at all stages of their careers.

Adison Hoppas (P4), of Topeka, the 24/25 academic year chapter president highlighted “leadership is a core value of Phi Lambda Sigma. Everything the organization does is centered on developing leaders and inspiring positive change in the profession of pharmacy.”

The Division III Chapter of the Year award recognizes excellence among similarly sized programs nationwide. For KU students, the honor reflects what Adison described as a year-long effort by the executive team and members to expand opportunities and raise engagement at the chapter level.

During the award year, the chapter applied for multiple national development grants and travel scholarships, allowing students to attend pharmacy conferences such as the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Midyear Clinical Meeting and state-level professional meetings. Students also participated in PLS’s national Leader Academy series, which focuses on structured leadership development.

At the chapter level, members revitalized volunteer initiatives, expanded peer mentor programming and increased fundraising to support member events and professional development opportunities.

“We really tried to increase involvement and engagement in everything we did,” Adison said. “It was a push from all of the executive members, and none of it would have been possible without our members being willing to show up and be involved.”

That momentum has continued under current chapter president Jersey Lynn (P3), of Independence, Missouri. She credited last year’s leadership team with creating a strong foundation that allowed the organization to build rather than restart.

“They did a really wonderful job of increasing involvement and helping PLS become what it is now: an organization that’s highly respected,” Jersey said. “This year, our goal has been to carry that forward while also bringing our own perspectives and ideas to the chapter.”

A key component of that continuity has been intentional leadership transition. Outgoing officers provided detailed documentation, held transition meetings and remained accessible to current leaders.

“Those transition resources were extremely beneficial,” Jersey said. “It helped us stay organized, stay on track and keep the momentum going.”

In addition to programming growth, the chapter has embraced changes aimed at increasing inclusivity. At the national level, Phi Lambda Sigma recently revised its membership application process to reduce bias and broaden access. The new model eliminates strict class-size limits, allows students from all professional years to apply and emphasizes demonstrated leadership qualities rather than titles or positions.

“Leadership doesn’t always look like holding an office or having a formal title,” Adison said. “There are so many ways students show leadership. In their classes, on committees and in the community.”

The updated application process aligns with the chapter’s broader goal of making leadership development more accessible across the School of Pharmacy.

As the chapter looks ahead, both leaders said the award serves as motivation both to sustain the organizations success and to carry those leadership skills into their professional careers.

“This award shows how committed our students are to personal growth and leadership development,” Adison said. “That commitment will carry forward into how they serve patients and communities as pharmacists.”

Jersey echoed that sentiment, emphasizing service and advocacy.

“This recognition shows how willing our students are to grow as leaders, volunteers and advocates,” she said. “Ultimately, that growth makes us better pharmacists.”

The honor marks the first time the KU School of Pharmacy’s Phi Lambda Sigma chapter has received national PLS recognition in several years, underscoring what students say is a renewed culture of leadership, collaboration and service within the organization and the KU chapter.